50 The Complete Angler 



Osprey, the Sea-gull,- the Hern, the King-fisher, the 

 Gorara, the Puet, the Swan, Goose, Duck, and the 

 Craber, which some call the Water-rat : against all 

 which any honest man may make a just quarrel, 

 but I will not ; I will leave them to be quarrelled 

 with and killed by others, for I am not of a cruel 

 nature, I love to kill nothing but fish. 



And, now, to your question concerning your host 

 To speak truly, he is not to me a good companion, 

 for most of his conceits were either scripture jests, 

 or lascivious jests ; for which I count no man witty : 

 for the devil will help a man, that way inclined, to 

 the first; and his own corrupt nature, which he 

 always carries with him, to the latter. But a com- 

 panion that feasts the company with wit and mirth, 

 and leaves out the sin which is usually mixed with 

 them, he is the man ; and indeed such a companion 

 should have his charges borne ; and to such com- 

 pany I hope to bring you this night ; for at Trout- 

 hall, not far from this place, where I purpose to 

 lodge to-night, there is usually an Angler that 

 proves good company, And let me tell you, good 

 company and good discourse are the very sinews of * 

 virtue. But for such discourse as we heard last 

 night, it infects others : the very boys will learn to 

 talk and swear, as they heard mine host, and 

 another of the company that shall be nameless. I 

 am sorry the other is a gentleman, for less religion 

 will not save their souls than a beggar's : I think/ 

 more will be required at the last great day. Well ! 

 you know what example is able to do ; and I know 

 what the poet says in the like case, which is worthy 

 to be noted by all parents and people of civility : 



many a one 



Owes to his country his religion ; 

 And in another, would as strongly grow, 

 Had but his nurse or mother taught him so. 



